I get emails from all over the world. One question that I see frequently is if I know of a home church in a particular area. Great question, but the short answer is no. I don't have a directory of house churches. And since most churches that meet in houses don't have websites or a listing in the phone book, it might be difficult to track one down.

This situation along with other promptings in my heart have compelled me to go back into the scriptures about starting churches or even looking for churches. Most of us have been taught to go look for a church if we move to a new area or if we feel to change where we fellowship. If we have a traditional ministry background, we may consider starting a church. But is that what the Bible tells us to do? Did Jesus Christ commission his disciples to go into all the world and start churches?

This isn't a trick question at all. As a matter of fact, it might be an "A-ha" moment. If you left a denominational church, why did you leave? Why did you leave the comfort of your own pew for something else? Let me further bait the hook with this: If you left because you didn't agree with teachings coming over the pulpit or from headquarters, is it possible there are many more things yet to be revealed to us as we dig into the scriptures for ourselves? I believe there is. Many wonderful things!

This home church journey for me has been a bit of a wilderness experience - but a needful one. God has been faithfully showing me some basic truths in dry places. The bummer is that I'm a slow learner. The praise is the lights are finally on and someone is home! I realize it's easy to get the cart before the horse and overlook some important basics. Rather than write all this out, I've created a short audio for you. It's less than 10 minutes long and may be as eye opening to you as it was to me. You might see a whole new answer to the question of looking for a church or starting one...

If you skipped over the audio, please go back and listen. I'd like to get your thoughts on all this and to know if this makes sense to you from the scriptures. Should we look for another church? Should we seek to start a church? What does the Bible say? What do you say?

The reviews of Parting Ways keep coming in and I'm overwhelmed! Thank you everyone! Your comments and feedback are inspirational!

I drew from many personal experiences in writing this Christian Fiction novel.

Parting Ways is the story of an ambitious, young minister who must ultimately choose between following the truth he reads in the scriptures, or following the evolving teachings of his denominational church leaders. That's the brief thumbnail overview of the book. But here's what one reader shared on Amazon.com...

The book has been getting many positive 5-Star reviews for which I'm truly grateful! I particularly appreciated CindyM's review because she reveals more of the other story elements that aren't depicted on the book's cover. Real life has many subplots, conflicts and rabbit trails doesn't it? Thank you CindyM for mentioning some of these other points. You might enjoy reading Parting Ways if you like...

Inspirational stories of faith and family;

Colorful characters with integrity, humor, and flaws;

The gifts of the Spirit at work in everyday situations;

Stories set against the backdrop of beautiful Arizona;

Real church outside of conventional religion;

To read of people who love America;

To read of the blessings of diligence and hard work;

A little unexpected romance;

The dark, flavorful world of coffee;

And to see the truly mysterious and unpredictable ways of God play out.

If you gave a nod to any of these literary ingredients, then add Parting Ways to your reading list! If you've already read it, please consider leaving a comment here and on Amazon.com. Your comments, reviews and feedback are greatly appreciated!

If you live in the Gilbert, Chandler, Temple, Mesa, Queen Creek or Phoenix area, you might be interested in coming to the Book Signing at Inspirations Bookstore and Tea Shoppe on Friday, August 12, 2011, from 6:30-8:30 PM.

Inspirations is located at the far west end of the shopping center off W. Queen Creek and S. Alma School Rd.

Inspirations loves the local community and regularly features Christian Bands and other talent. Enjoy their huge assortment of teas, smoothies, gifts, books, music, and other Christ-centered items.